Tying mechanism



Jan. 5, 1943. H. HARVEY 2,307,219

TYING MECHANISM Original Filed Jan. 16, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet l s /4 /f /5 i\\ J 'ff/bww Jan. 5, 1943. i H, HARVEY 2,307,219

TY ING MECHANISM Original Filed Jan. 16, 1939 lO Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan? 5, 1943. H. HARVEY 2,307,219

TYING MECHANI SM Original Filed Jan. 16,A 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 VKL Jan. 5, 1943. H. HARVEY 2,307,219

lTYING MECHANISM 'Original Filed Jan. 16,1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 @S/Zay j YJain. 5, 1943. H. HARVEY 2,307,219

TYING MECHANI SM original Filed Jan. 16, 19:59 l 1o sheets-sheet 5 Janv. 5, 1943.

H.HARVEY TYING MECHANISM Original Filed Jan. 16, 1939 l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 5, 1943. H, HARVEY 2,307,219

TYING MECVHANISIM original Filed Jan. 16. 1939' 1o sheets-sheet 7 Jan. 5, 1943. H. HARVEY 2,307,219

TYING MECHANISM 'original Filed Jan.. 1e, 1939 1o sheets-sheet 8 MCs/@yay Jan. 5, 1943. H, HARVEY v 2,307,219

TYING MECHANISM o'rliginal Filed Jan. 1e, 193s 1o sheets-sheet 9 Jan. 5, 1943. H. HARVEY TYING MECHANISM Original Filed Jan. 16, 1939 l0 Sheets-'Sheet 10 far/y Patented Jan. 5, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT CFFICE TYN G MECHANISM Herbert Harvey, Los Angeles, Calif.

Original application January 16, 1939, Serial No. 251,125. Divided and this application April 2, 1941, Serial No. 386,473

15 Claims. (C1. 140-93) This invention relates to tying means and relates more particularly to tying mechanisms for embodiment in machines for binding bundles, boxes, cartons, etc. A general object of this invention is to provide a practical, eiiective and simplified tying mechanism of the character mentioned.

This application is a division of application Serial No. 251,125, filed January 16, 1939, entitled Tying machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tying mechanism embodying a novel rethreading means in which only one of the gripping units is operated or shifted to rethread the tie forming means. l

Another object of this invention is to provide a tying mechanismI embodying means operative at the completion of the tying and severing operations for shifting the rst gripping unit from its normal position to a position where it receives the cut end of the Wire from the second gripping unit and for then returning the first gripping unit to its normal position to automatically rethread the tie forming means and thus condition the mechanism for the next operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tie, forming mechanism of the character referred to in which the first gripping means, whichiis shifted to effect rethreading of the tie forming means, is employed to maintain a suitable tension on the wire for the tying operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tying mechanism of the character mentioned in which one of the wire gripping means is given a shuttle movement and is controlled in timed relation to the other elements of the machine to tension the wire during the tying operation and the operator.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a machine embodying the features of this invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the machine taken substantially as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1, showing the principal elements in elevation. Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the machine with the top removed and showing the wire wrapping ring in horizontal cross section and illustrating the principal parts in elevation. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary end View illustrating the clutches and control parts. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of one of the clutches, being a View taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View with the wire wrapping ring appearing in Lbroken lines, being a View illustrating the cam actuated control elements. Figs. 1-6, inclusive, of the drawings, i1- lustrate the parts in the normal or resting positions. Fig. '7 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the rst gripping means showing it in position to grip the wire presented by the second gripping means. Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the wire tying and gripping means showing the parts in the initial positions. Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are more or less diagrammatic views of certain of the wire gripping and tying parts illustrated in Fig. 8, showing the various positions of the seco-nd gripping means. Fig. 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating the first gripping means. Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan View showing parts of the tie forming means in horizontal cross section and illustrating the wire in position to be tied. Fig. 14 is a view similar to Figli?, showing the wire being severed following the tying operation. Fig. 15 is a View similar to Fig. 13 showing the tie being ejected from the wire tying means. Fig. 16 is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating the means for controlling and shifting the first gripping means for the rethreading operations. Fig. 17 Vis a view similar to Fig. 16 illustrating the means for controlling and actuating the wire separating, severing and tie ejecting means. Fig. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional view of the first gripping means showing the gripping jaw held rin the released or open position. Fig. 19 is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating the means for controlling and operating the wire tying means. Fig. 20 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the second gripping means and the means for controlling and operating the same. Fig. 21 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the means for turning or oscillating the carrier of the first gripping means during the rethreading operations. Fig. 22 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the means for opening and closing the gripping jaw of the second gripping means. Fig. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of the means for controlling and operating the gripping jaw of the second gripping means. Fig. 24 is a fragmentary side elevation taken as indicated by line 24-24 on Fig. 2, illustrating the means for adjustably supporting the clamp carrying beam. Fig. 25 is an enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 25-25 on Fig. 24, and Fig. 26 is an enlarged, fragmentary elevation view illustrating the Wire training and tensioning means on the ring.

The machine embodying the features of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a supporting frame I3, a ring II rotatably mounted on the frame I9, wire training means I2 on the ring II engaging a wire W to wrap or train the wire about an object or box B when the f ring II is rotated, means I3 for operating and controlling the ring I I, holding means 3 for holding the object or box B during the wire wrapping operation, a tie forming mechanism comprising spaced grippingmeans I4 and I5 for gripping the to rethread the wire W at the completion of the tying operation, control means for the tie forming mechanism controlled by the ring I I and various other parts and mechanism, the details vand functions of which will be hereinafter described. The supporting frame I carries the various parts of the machine and may be formed and proportioned to act as a table for supporting the articles or boxes B to be bound. The supporting frame IIJ includes legs or uprights and upper and lower horizontal members 2I and 22 extending between and connecting the uprights. The uprights 20 and the horizontal members 2| ano 22 may be formed of angle iron. A plate or top 23 is provided on the upper side of the supporting frame I0. The upper side of the top 23 is preferably at and horizontal to form a table or support for the object or box B being bound.

The ring I I is a rotatable element provided to carry the means I2 which trains or wraps the wire W around the object or box B on the top 23. The ring II is a rigid continuous member yand in the construction illustrated is rotatable about a xed horizontal axis. Bearing means are provided on the frame I0 to carry the ring II. Two uprights 20 of the frame I0 may be extended to project upwardly beyond the top 23 and vertical plates 24 are secured to the uprights 20. The plates 24 are shaped to define a horizontal opening 25 whose diameter is somewhat greater than the internal diameter of the ring II. The ring II is arranged between the spaced plates 24 in concentric relation t0 the opening 25. An annular series of spaced rollers 26 carries the ring II for rotation. The rollers 26 are rotatably supported between the plates 24 by suitable pins or shafts 2'I extending between the spaced plates. The ring II may have an external or lperipheral ange 28 and the rims of the bearing 'rollers 26 may be grooved to receive the ange 28. The ring II has its major portion projecting above the top 23 and has a part extending below the top 23 at one edge of the top.

The means I2 is a shuttle means or wire handling means carried by the ring to train the wire about the box B, it being understood that the leading or cut end portion of the wire W is held by the first gripping means I4 during rotation of the ring II. This function of the gripping means I4 will be hereinafter described. The means I2 is adapted to receive or handle the wire W extending from a supply drum or reel 29 suitably supported at a point spaced from the machine. The Wire training or wrapping means I2 includes a bracket 33 secured to the ring II. The bracket 30 projects outwardly or laterally from the ring Il to protrude beyond the outer plate 2'4. An eye 3I is provided in the bracket 30 to receive and direct the incoming wire W. A roller 32 is rotatably supported on the bracket adjacent the eye 3l to receive and guide the wire as it leaves the eye. A second guide roller 33 of larger diameter is supported on a pin 34 projecting from the bracket 30 to be disposed within the ring II. The wire W passes inwardly from the eye 3I to the roller 32, extends over the periphery of the roller 33, then leaves the roller 33 at the inner side of the ring I I.

A tensioning roller 35 is spaced between the guide rollers 32 and 33 and is disposed at the opposite side of the wire W. The tensioning roller 35 is rotatable on the eccentric `portion of an adjustable pin 35 carried by the bracket 33. The roller 35 engaging the wire W at a point between the rollers 32 and 33 provides a drag on the wire W so that a desirable tension is placed on the Wire as it is wrapped about the object or box B. By adjusting the shaft or pin 36 the tension thus put on the wire W may be varied.

The means I2 further includes a pulley or sheave 3l arranged at the forward or inner side of the rotatable ring II. The sheave 31 turns about a substantially horizontal axis and is carried by a pin 38 projecting from a part 39 'secured to the inner side of the ring II. The 4wire W extends from the roller 33 to pass over the sheave 31 and then leaves the sheave 3'I to extend to the tying mechanism. A pin or keeper I is provided adjacent the periphery of the sheave 31 for retaining the wire Won the sheave. With the ring in its vinitial or idle position illustrated in Fig. l, the wire W extends substantially horizontally from the sheave 31 to the gripping means I4 and I5 and the tie forming means I6. The ring II is turned one complete revolution in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig, l during each cycle of operation and the wire W engaged and directed by the means I2, as just described, is closely Wrapped about the box B on the top 23 with suitable tension. The roller 31 bends the wire W as the ring II rotates `to shape the wire in such a manner that the wire hugs the sides of the object or box B by reason of its resiliency and shape or curvature.

The means I3 for operating and controlling the wire training 'ring I I 'is 4operable to rotate the ring one revolution in each cycle of operation of the machine. The means I3 is started by a manual operation and is stopped 'at the 'end of the revolution of the ring I'I by the action of a control part on the ring. The power'means for operating the means I`3 and the other elements of the machine maybe in the nature of an electric motor 40 mounted in the supporting frame I0. A case 4I is Lhung or xed Vin the upper portion of the supporting frame I0 and the means engaging the clutch element 53 with the station- !3 includes a shaft 42 extending horizontally through the case 4 I. A drive is provided between the driving motor 40 and the shaft 42. "This rive may comprise a pulley 43 on the shaft of the motor 46, a larger pulley 44 fixed to the shaft 42 and a belt 45a operating over the pulleys 43 and 44.

The ring operating means I3 further includes a manually controlled and mechanically controlled clutch. This clutch may be of any selected or suitable type, In the drawings I have shown a two-unit type of clutch of the character disclosed in Patent No. 1,753,085, granted April l, 1930. One unit 45 of the clutch has its outer, or

female, part fixed or keyed to the shaft 42, while plates 24 and meshes with ring gear teeth 56v on the above described peripheral flange 23 of the ring II. The pinion 49 and the ring gear teeth 56 provide a substantial speed reduction between the shaft 41 and the ring II.

The clutch of the means I3 includes a yoke 5I fixed or keyed to a shaft 52 turnably supported by bearings 52a on the frame I0. The yoke 5I engages the shiftable element 53 of the clutch and is movable to shift the element 53 between a position where it engages or clutches the shaft 41 with the driving or rotating unit 45 and a position where it clutches or engages the shaft 41 with the stationary unit 46, With the yoke I and element 53 in the positions illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4, the element 53 clutches the shaft 41 with the stationary unit 46 so that the ring II is held against rotation in a position where the wire W extends substantially horizontally from the sheave 31 to the gripping means I4 and I5 and the tie forming means I6.

The means I3 for operating and controlling the ring II further includes a manual control or operating means for the above described clutch. The manual operating means includes a pedal 54 pivotally carried by a bracket 55 on the framev structure and projecting outwardly from the frame I6 to be readily depressed by the operator. A link or rod 56 has a suitable pivoted yoke connection with thepedal 54 and extends upwardly in the supporting frame I0. A yoke 51 on the` upper end of the rod 56 is pivotally connected with a lever 58, see Fig. 4, The lever 53 is pivotally carried by a pin 59 on a lever 66 which in turn is fixed to a shaft 6I pivotally carried by a suitable bracket 62, The lever 60 is normally held against movement by a spring 63 and the function and operation of the lever 66 will be subsequently described. The means I3 further includes an arm or lever 64 keyed or fixed to the yoke shaft 52 and engageable by a lug 65 on the above described lever 56. Upon depression of the pedal 54 the lug 65 engages the lever 64 to pivot the lever and thus turn the shaft 52 to shift the yoke 5| in a direction to engage the element 53 with the driving unit 45. This results in rotation o-f the shaft 41 and turning of the Wire training ring II.

The operating means I3 for the ring II further includes means for disengaging or declutching the shaft 41 from the drive shaft 42 and rfor ary clutch unit 46 to stop the ring I I and to hold the ring against rotation. The means for stopping the ring II at the completion of its revolution includes a bell crank 66 pivotally supported by a pin 61 projecting from the inner plate 24 (see Fig. 6). The bell crank 66 has a sloping finger 68 at its upper end engageable by a cam face 69 lon the ringII. Thecam face 69 may be provi-ded on the part 33 referred to above. A spring 16 is connected with a second finger 'II on the upper end of the bell crank 66 and holds the bell crank in position to have its finger 68 engaged by the cam face 69. The lower arm of the bell crank 66 has a pivotal connection with a link 12. The link 12 in turn has a pivotal connection with a lever 13 freely pivoted on the yoke shaft 52. A releasable latch connection is provided between the above described lever 64 and the lever 13. This latch connection includes a shoulder 14 on the inner arm of the lever 13 and a latch 15 pivoted on the lever 64 and cooperable with the shoulder 14, see Fig. 4. The outer or lower finger of the-latch 15 is engageable by the lug 65 ofthe lever 58 when the pedal 54 is depressed whereby depression of the pedal serves to release the latch 15 and thus disengage the lever 64 from the lever 13, 1

With the wire wrapping or training ring II in its idle position illustrated throughout the drawings, the cam face 69 is in engagement with the finger 66 to hold the bell crank 66 and its associated elements in position where the clutch element 53 is in cooperation with the stationary clutch unit 46. As above described, the engagement of the shiftable clutch elementY 53 with the clutch unit 46 holds the ring II against rotation. Upon depression of the pedal 54 by the operator the latch 15 is released from the shoulder 14 just before the yoke 5I is shifted to engage the clutch element 53 with the driving clutch unit 45.`- When the ring Il begins to turn the cam face 69 moves out of engagement with the finger 68 of the bell crank 66 and the spring 16 returns the bell crank to a position against a stop 8. Return movement of the bell crank 66 is accompanied by movement of the link 12 and movement of the lever 13, the lever 13 moving to a position where its shoulder 'I4 reengages the latch 15. Thus the latch 15 is reconditioned as soon as kthe cam face 69 and the part 39 pass the bell crank finger 68.

When the wire wrapping or training ring II approaches the end of its revolution the cam face 63 moves `into engagement with the finger 68 to cause pivoting ofthe bell crank 66. The bell crank is pivoted to move the link 'I2 downwardly and to pivot the lever 13. The latch 15 carried by the lever 64 and cooperating with the shoulder 14 transmits the movement from the lever 13 to the lever 64 so that the yoke 5I is moved to shift the clutch element 53 away from the driving unit 45 into engagement with the stationary braking unit 46. ment 53 with the unit 46 stops rotation of the ring II. The ring II is stopped in a position where the wireW passes substantially horizontally from the sheave 31 tothe gripping means I4 and I5 and the tie forming means I6. It is to be observed that the means I3 described above produces one complete revolution of the wire wrapping or training ring II when the operator depresses the pedal 54 and assures the return of the ring to its normal position when the wire W This engagement of the clutch ele- `ed in the supporting frame I0.

has been eectively wrapped'about the object or box B on the top 23.

The means 9 is provided to securely h'old the object or box B against movement during the above described wire training or wrapping operation. The Ameans 9 may be a fluid pressure operated means, say a pneumatic means and is automatically or mechanically put Ainto operation substantially simultaneously with the initiation of the wire vwrapping operation, ljust described, and is automatically or mechanically retracted at the completion of the wire wrapping operation.

The object or'box holding means 9 includes a beam 239 shiftably guided and supported by guides 23| on the upwardly extending frame uprights l2i?. The beam 236 is adjustable vertically to adapt the means 9 to hold boxes and objects of diierent heights. Spaced openings 232 are provided in the guides `23| and pins 233 and passed through openings in the beam 239 and through selected pairs of openings 232 to support the beam in the selected elevation, see Fig. 24. The means `9 `further includes a vertically disposed cylinder 234 carried by the beam 230 and projecting downwardly from the beam. rThe opposite ends of the cylinder 234are closed by caps or heads 235. A bracket 235 on the upper cylinder head 235 is secured to -t'he beam 236 to connect the cylinder with the beam. In the preferred construction the cylinder 234 is carried by the beam 239 for horizontal adjustment. The cylinder bracket 235 is secured to the beam 239 by a pin 231 adapted to extend into any one of a plurality of horizontally spaced pairs of transverse openings 233 in the beam 230 to mount or support the cylinder 234 inthe selected position.

A ram or plunger 239 projects downwardly through the lower cylinder head 235 and carries a work-engaging member 240. A pivot pin 24| secures the member 240 to the plunger 299 for pivoting about a horizontal axis. The box engaging member 249 may be formed of channel iron and is preferably shaped to evenly engage the upper sides of the articles or boxes B being handled by the machine. In practice downturned fingers may be provided on the opposite ends of the box engaging member 248. The member 240 being pivoted on the plunger 239 may accommodate itself to the shape and 'disposition of the box B on the top 23. A flange 242 is provided on the top 23 to locate the box B for proper engagement by the member 249. It is preferred to provide means for preventing rotating of the member 249 and plunger 23S. Spaced pins or rods 232 are xed to the member 240 and project upwardly from the member to passat opposite sides of the cylinder 234. A horizontal plate 244 is secured to the lower cylinder head 235 and has slots 245 shiftably passing the vrods 243. The cooperation of the rods 243 with 'the slots 245 prevents turning of the member 240 about a vertical axis and allows the member 249 to pivot on the pin 24| to accommodate itself to the box B on the top 23.

The means 9 further includes an automatic control whereby depression of the pedal 54 causes downward actuation of the member 249 against. the box B and whereby the member 240 is raised from the box B when the wire wrapping ring l approaches the end of its travel. The control and actuating means for the means 9 includes a pipe 246 leading from a suitable source of air under pressure (not shown) and extending to a valve V. The valve V may be suitably mount- A pipe Y241 extends from the valve V to the upper end of the cylinder 234 and a similar pipe 248 extends from the valve V to the lower end of the cylinder 234 (see Fig. 2). The valve V `has an exhaust 249. An operating lever 250 is provided on the valve V and is shiftable between a position where the pipe 248 is in communication with the pipe 246 and the pipe 241 is in communication with the exhaust 249 and a position where the pipe 241 is in communication with the supply pipe 246 and the pipe 248 is `in communication with the exhaust l24). Suitable stops on the valve V stop the lever 259 in its two positions. A spring 25| may be connected with the valve lever 250 to -'nornlally urge the valve lever to the position where the pipe 241 leading to the upper end of the cylinder 243 is in communication with the supply pipe 246.

A suitable control member 252 is pivotally connected with the valve lever 256 and is provided with a shoulder 254 (see Figs. 2 and 4). The above described lever 64 has a depending finger 254 cooperating with the shoulder 253 on the member 252. A spring 255 may initially hold the member 252 in a position where its shoulder 253 cooperates with the finger 254. The control member 252 has an upwardly extending projection256 engageable by the above described latch 15. When the p edal 54 is depressed by the operator the latch 15 is moved downwardly by the part65 to engage the upper end of the projection 256. This engagement results in downward shifting of the member 252 and disengagement ofthe shoulder 253 from the finger 254. Upon the release of the shoulder 253 from the nger 254 'the spring 25| turns the valve lever 250 and shifts the control member 252. The spring 25| turns the valve lever 250 to a position where the pipe 241 is in communication with the supply pipe 246 and the lpipe 248 has communication with the exhaust 249. Thus air under pressure is supplied to the upper end of the cylinder 234 to shift the member 240 downwardly into clamping or holding engagement with the box B. When the shoulder 253 is disengaged from the finger 254, as just described, the member 252 rides under lthe lower end of the nger 254.

The means 9 for holding the box B is put into operation to securely clamp the vbox B against Vmovement on the top 23 immediately before or substantially simultaneously with the engagement of the clutch element 53 with the driving clutch unit 45 so that the means 9 operates to clamp the box B in position just preceding the start of rotation of the wire training ring When the ring approaches the end of its travel the cam face 69 operates the bell crank 66 and the shaft 52 to disengage the clutch element 53 from the drive clutch unit 45 as described above. As the lever 64 is keyed or fixed to the clutch Vyoke shaft 52 the shifting of the member 53 through the action of the cam face 69 is accompanied-by turning of the lever 64 and movement of the finger 254. The lower end of the nger 254 cooperates with the shoulder to shift the-control member 252 and thus turn the valve lever 250. The valve lever 250 is returned to its initial position by this action, putting the pipe -241 in communication with the exhaust 249 and putting the pipe 248 in communication with the supply pipe 246. The air under pressure admitted to the lower end of the cylinder 234 raises the box engaging member 240 and returns lthe member to its normal raised position illustracted and disengaged from the boX B at the end of travel of the ring II.

The tie forming mechanism of the invention comprises the gripping means I4 and I5, the wire twisting or tying means I6, the means I1 for holding the wire W separated and stationary during the tying operation, for severing the wire at lthe completion ofthe tying operation and for ejecting the completed tie, the means I8 for shifting the gripping means I4 to rethread the mechanism and the appropriate mechanisms for controlling and operating these means in the correct timed relation. The tie forming mechanism is mechanically put into operation at the completion of the wire wrapping or training operation of the ring II and follows through its several operations in a given sequence toproduce a secure tie in the loop of wire W trained about the box B. A feature of the tie forming mechanism is the means I8 for controlling and operating the gripping means I4 in timed relation to the operation of the other elements to rethread the mechanism at the completion of its series of movements and operations so that it is unnecessary for the operator or workman to handle the wire W to rethread the machine.

The tie forming mechanism is preferably carried within the supporting frame I8 below the top 23 and may be driven or operated by the above described motor 40. The tie forming mechanism includes a main shaft 16 extending horizontally within the case 4I and supported by suitable bearings 11. A second shaft 18 is supported by bearings 19 to be in spaced parallel relation to the main shaft 16. Meshing gears 80 and 8I `fixed to the shafts 16 and 18 form a drive between the shafts. A clutched drive is provided between the shaft 42 and the main shaft 16 of the tie forming mechanism. This drive includes an outer part or drive sleeve 82 carried by a suitable bearing 83 on the case 4I and driven by the shaft 42 through suitable speed reduction gearing 84, see Fig. 5. The shaft 16 extends through the sleeve 82 and a suitable single revolution clutch C is provided to engage or clutch the shaft 16 with the drive sleeve 82. The clutch C illustrated in the drawings will be later considered in detail. A casting or bracket 85 is fixed to the case 4I adjacent the ring II to carry various elements of the tie forming mechanism.

The rst active or wire engaging means of the tie forming mechanism is the gripping means I4. The rst gripping means I4 operates to grip and hold the free or cut end portion of the wire W throughout the tie forming operations and is controlled and shifted by the means I8 to rethread the tie. forming mechanism for the succeeding operation. The` gripping means I4 is carried by a shiftable and turnable rod or carrier 86 and is best illustrated in Figs. '1 and 18. The rod or carrier 88 is horizontally arranged and is supported to shift axially and to oscillate or turn about its longitudinal axis. The carrier 86 may be supported by suitable bearings 81 on the frame I9 and the bracket 85 and is arranged to extend across a side of the frame I9 adjacent the inner plate 24 and below the top 23.

The rod or carrier 86 is provided with a pair of spaced generally parallel projecting arms 88, see Figs. 7 and 1l. A suitable hardened wear-resisting plate is fixed to the inner side of one of the arms 86 and has an inturned outer portion forming the anvil part 89 of the gripping means I 4. A dog or jaw 99 is pivotallyl supported between the arms 88 and has a eccentric toothed active face 9| adapted to oppose the anvil part 89 to grip the wire W (see Figs. 7 and 18). Gear teeth 92 are provided on the gripping jaw 90 and a control pinion or dog 93 is pivotally supported between the arms 88 to have its teeth in cooperation with the teeth 92'.` A plunger 94 is pivotally connected with the control dog 93 and extends downwardly through an opening 95 in the carrier 86 to project from the surface ofthe carrier. A compression spring 96 in the opening 95 acts on the plunger 94 to pivot the dog 93 and to urge the jaw 98 into the wire gripping relation to the anvil part 89. v

A latch means is provided to hold the gripping jaw 99 in the released condition. A- lever or pawl 91 is pivotally supported between the arms 88 in adjacent relation to the dog 93 and a tooth or lug S8 projects from the pawl 91 to cooperate with the teeth 92. A spring 99 is arranged under compression between the pawl 91 and the carrier 86 to urge the pawl 91 to a position where its lug 98 holds the gripping jawV 90 retracted. The pawl 91 projects beyond the arms 88 to be engaged by another element of the machine as will be subsequently described. The carrier 86 is normally in a position where the arms 88 project in an upward direction in spaced relation to one end of the tie forming means I6. The jaw 98 of the gripping means I4 initially grips the free or cut -end part of the wire W and the wire W is stretched or trained between the gripping means I4 and the sheave 31to pass through the twisting means or tie forming means I6 and to pass in front of the secondl gripping means I5. The elements and mechanisms foroperating and controlling the gripping means I4 will be hereinafter described.

The second gripping means I5 is provided to grip the wire W adjacent the tie forming means I 6 and the means I1 during the tie forming, wire severing and tie ejecting operations and until the first gripping means I4 has re-engaged the wire W for the rethreading operation. The second gripping means I5 is located adjacent one side or end of the tie forming means I6, the first gripping means I4 being located at one side or end of the tie forming means I6 and the second gripping means I5 being located adjacent the other side or end ofthe tie forming means. The second gripping means I5 includes a blocklike body |00 shiftably carried by the bracket 85 (see Figs. 20 and 23). The body v|88 may be supported and guided in a channel in the bracket 85 to have horizontal movement. A spring latch 2li cooperates with a notch 2I2 in the body |00 to initially hold the second gripping means I5 in a retracted position (see Fig. 3). The outer end portion of the body is adapted to project from the bracket to be in engaging relation to the wire W and the outer end ofthe body |00 l is bevelled or pointed to assist in clearing or guiding the wire. The lower portion of the body |09 is notched or recessed to provide the body with an inwardly facing anvil part IUI. A gripping jaw |02 is pivotally supported in the notched lower side of the body I8!) and hasa .toothed eccentric face adapted to oppose the anvil part IIJI and adapted to grip the wire W. The gripping means I5 is initially retracted clear of the wire W and remains retracted during the wire wrapping or wire training operation of the ring yThe second gripping means I5 is moved outwardly into the wire engaging position when the ring I vl approaches the end of its revolution.

'Ihe means for projecting the gripping means I5 includes a. link |03 pivotally connected with the rear end of the gripper body and extending inwardly through the case 4|. A lever |04 is pivotally carried by a bracket |05 on the exterior of the case 4| and has its upper end in cooperation with the link |03. A bracket |06 on the lower forward portion of the case 4I carries a pivoted bell crank |01. A link |08 is pivotally connected with the lower end of the lever |04 and extends forwardly to the lower arm of the bell crank |01. A yielding connection is provided between the link |08 and the bell crank |01. A yoke |09 on the bell crank |01 engages about the link |08 and a compression spring ||0 is engaged between the yoke |09 and a shoulderl II I on the link to provide for the transmission of movement from the bell crank to the link. The bell crank |01 has an upper arm projecting outwardly or forwardly toward the adjacent plate 24;

The cam face 69 on the ring II operates the linkage just described to project the gripping means I 5 before it cooperates with the bell crank finger 68 to eiect the release of the clutch element 53 ofthe means I3. A shoe I|2 is pivotally supported by a pin I3 on the inner plate 24 and extends to th'e bell crank |01. An opening I I4 in the outer portion of the shoe |I2 receives a reduced part of the forward or upper arm of the bell crank |01. The shoe |I2 is located in the path of travel of the part 39 to be engaged by the cam face 69. When the cam face 69 engages the shoe |I2 the shoe is pivoted downwardly sothat the bell crank |01 is pivoted, the link |08 is shifted and the lever |04 is pivoted to project the gripper body |00. This brings the means I 5 to its active wire engaging position.

The gripping jaw |02 of the second gripping means I5 is actuated to' grip the wire W following the projection of the body |00 as just described. This actuation of the gripping jaw |02 follows or is substantially simultaneous with the stopping of the wire wrapping ring II. The means for controlling and actuating the jaw |02 of the gripping means I5 includes a link ||6 pivotally connected with the tail of the jaw |02. (see Figs. 22 and 23) A slot I|1 in the link ||6 receives a pin II.8 on a bell crank II9. The bell crank I I9 may be suitably supported on the case 4I. A link |20 is pivotally connected with the inner armV of the bell crank II9 and extends rearwardly in the case 4| to an upstanding lever 2|. The lever I 2| is pivotally supported on a shaft |22 arranged in spaced parallel relation to the shafts 16 and 18. A spring |23 is connected with the lever I2| to urge the link |20, lever |2I and bell crank I I9 rearwardly. The spring is attached to the link ||6 to urge the jaw |02 to the wire gripping position.

The invention includes a control means for initially holding the gripping jaw |02 against actuation, which control means is actuated or released by the cam face 69 on the rotating ring I I. The control means for governing th'e actuation of the gripping jaw I 02 includes a bell crank |24 pivotally supported by a pin |25 on the side of the case 4|, see Fig. 6. The bell crank |24 has an upper arm normally engaging the edge of the above described bell crank |I9. A spring |26 is connected with the bell crank |24 to normally hold its upper arm in a position in cooperation with the edge of the bell crank I9 and its lower arm against a stop 6 on the side of the case 4I. A control member I 21 is pivotally secured to the lower arm of the bell crank I 24 and extends from the bell crank I24to a pointbeyond the bell crank 66. A notch |28 is provided'l in the upper edge of the member |21 and is adapted to receive a lug I 29 on the finger 1| of the bell crank 66. Spring means I30"- is provided to yieldingly hold the member |21 in a position where the notch |28 may receive the lug |29.

When the cam face 69 moves past or out of cooperation with the finger 68 at the start of the rotation of th'e ring I the spring 10 moves the bell crank 66 to a position where the lug |29 is received in the notch |28; When the wire wrapping or training ring II completesA its revolution the cam face 69 cooperates with the finger 68V to pivot the bell crank 66 as described above to stop rotation of the ring II. During this last mentioned pivotal movement of th'e bell crank 66 the lug |29 cooperates with the notch |23 to move the member |21 and to pivot the bell crank |24.

This movement of the bell crank |24 moves it ltie forming means I6.

free of the bell crank IIS. When the bell crank |24 is disengaged from the bell crank IIS the spring 10 operates the link I I6. to move the gripping jaw |02 into gripping engagement with' the wire W. From this it will be seen that the gripping means I5 is actuated to grip the wire W subsequent to the projection of the means I5 and at the completion of the wire wrapping operation of the ring II.

As described above, the first gripping means I4 grips and holds the cut end portion of the wire W prior to and during the wrapping of the wire around the article or box B and the gripping means I5 remains in a retracted condition during the wrapping of the wire around the box.

When the ring II approaches the end of its travel the gripping means I5 is projected and is controlled or operated to grip the portion |30 of the wire W extending from the means I2 to the Just before the ring II reaches the end of its movement the means I5 moves out and the portion |30 of the Wire W rides over the pointed end of the body |00 and snaps into position against the anvil part |0I and the jaw |02 is released as described above, to grip the wire. Thus, at the completion of the wrapping of the wire W around the box B the gripping means I4 and I5 are in gripping engagement with the opposite ends of the loop of wire engaging about the box and the overlapping portions of the wire loop are entered in the tie forming means I6 to be twisted together to form a tie.

The invention includes means for engaging the clutch C when the ring I| approaches or reaches the end of its movement, the engagement of the clutch C putting the various elements of the tie forming mechanism into operation. The clutch controlling or actuating means is operated or controlled by the cam face 09 on the ring II. A bracket I 3| is secured to an end of the case 4| and has bearings |32 rotatably supporting a substantially horizontal shaft |33 (see Fig. 4). A blade |34 is fixed or keyed to the shaft |33 and normally projects downwardly at the clutch C. A collar |35 is keyed to the shaft 16 and a springurged dog |36 is shiftably keyed in a radial notch in the collar. The dog |36 is adapted to engage in any one of a plurality of internal notches |31 in a drum |38 xed on the sleeve 82. The blade |34 initially cooperates with the clutch dog |36 to hold the dog retracted and clear of the drum An arm |39 is fixed to an end portion of the shaft |33 and is normally positioned to be in the path of a shoulder |40 on the control member |21. When the cam face 89 pivots the bell crank 66 to shift the control member |21 at the end of travel of the ring II the shoulder |45 cooperates with the arm |39 to pivot the shaft |33. 'I'his shifts the blade |34 out` of engagement with the dog |35 and the dog is freed to engage in one of the notches |31. The engagement of the dog |35 in one of the notches |31 clutches the shaft 16 with the driving sleeve 82 to initiate rotation of the various cam elements, etc., of the tie forming mechanism. It is to be observed that the clutch C is engaged substantially simultaneously with the projection and release or actuation of the gripping means I5.

Novel means is provided to put additional tension on the wire loop engaged about the box B prior to the formation of the tie in the wire W to assure the tight binding of the box. The tensioning means acts on or shifts the rst gripping means I4 subsequent to the projection and actuation of the gripping means I5 so that one end of the wire loop engaged about the box B is anchored by the means l5 while the other end is shifted by the means I4 to impose the additional tension on the loop. The wire tensioning means includes a bell crank |4| pivotally carried by a bracket |42 projecting from an end of the case 4| (see Fig. 3). One arm of the bell crank |4| projects into the case 4| for actuation by cam means in the case. and 18, respectively, and engage a roller |45 rotatably supported by a lever |46 pivoted on the shaft |22. An operative connection is provided between the upper end of the roller lever and the inner arm of the bell crank I 4|. has a universal connection |48 with the upper end of the lever |45 and has a similar universal connection |45 with the inner arm of the bell crank |4| (see Fig. 16).

The wire tensioning means further includes a novel spring loaded connection between the bell crank 55| and the carrier 85 of the first gripping means i4 (see Figs. 3 and 16 of the drawings). This spring loaded connection includes a, doublearmed lever |58 pivotally carried by the outeil arm of the bell crank |4|. The outer arm of the bell crank I4i may be divided or yoked to receive the inner arm of the lever |56. A yoke |5| on the outer arm of the lever |58 engages between shoulders |52 on the carrier 85 to transmit movement from the lever to the carrier S5. The bell crank |4| has an abutment |53 adjacent its pivotal axis and presented by its outer arm and a pin I 54 projects outwardly from the abutment. A cap or nut |55 is adjustably threaded on the outer part of the pin |54. A helical spring |55 surrounds the pin |54 and is arranged under compression between the nut |55 and the inner arm of the lever |55. The nut |55 is preferably knurled to be readily manually adjusted and may be recessed to receive a part of the spring |55.

The spring |56 arranged under compression between the nut |55 and the lever |55 forms a yieldable movement transmitting element. When the bell crank |4| is pivcted in a direction to shift the gripping means I4 outwardly or away from the tie forming means i5 the spring I 55 serves to resist relative pivoting between the lever |55 and the bell crank |li| and thus serves as a yieldable movement transmitting element. Upon movement of the bell crank |4| in the other direction the inner arm of the lever |50 cooperates with the abutment |53 to provide a positive movement transmitting drive between the bell crank |4| and the lever |58.

Cams |43 and I 44 are keyed to the shafts 1i A link |41 The cams |43 and |44 are formed and timed to pivot the bell crank I4| in a direction to move the gripping means I4 outwardly or away from the tie forming means I6 following the above described wrapping of the wire W about the box B and following the projection and actuation of the gripping means |5. The outward movement of the gripping means |4 tensions the wire loop on the box B, that is, it tightens the wire loop on the box, taking up any slack there may be in the loop and causing the wire W to closely conform to the sides of the box. It is to be observed that the movement of the means I4 to tension the wire W is effected through the spring-loaded connection just described. The spring |55 yields when a suitable tension is put on the wire loop engaged about the articles or box B, yielding to prevent excessive tightening of the wire and to prevent breaking of the wire. By adjusting the nut |55 the tension put on the loop engaging about the box B may be regulated or varied. The rst gripping means I4 dwells, following the tensioning of the wire on the box B as just described, that is, the cams I 44 and |43 are formed to hold the means |4 stationary during the tie forming and wire severing operations.

The tie forming means I6 operates to twist together the overlapping portions of the wire loop engaged about the box B to secure the binding or loop to the box. The means i6 includes a twisting pinion |51 provided with a longitudinal Wire receiving slot |58 of the usual form (see-Y Figs. 13, 14 and 15 of the drawings) The pinion |51 is carried between spaced plates |59 on the bracket 85 and projects beyond the outer ends of the plates |59 to be free and exposed. Inwardly projecting bearing parts I G8 on the plates |59 extend into the opposite ends of the pinion I 51 and bearing blocks IBI)a on the plates |59 engage the external end parts of the pinion to rotatably support the pinion. rlhe forward ends of the plates |59 and bearing parts |68 are cut away to leave the ends of the slot |58 open at the opposite ends of the pinion. The slot |58 is adapted to receive the overlapping parts of the wire box binding loop as illustrated in Fig. 13 of the drawings. W'hen the pinion |51 is rotated, while the wire parts are held separated by the means l1, the overlapping parts of the wire are twisted together to form a tie in the wire loop. This operation is common to wire tying machines of the class provided by this invention.

The means for operating or rotating the twisting pinion |51 includes a sector gear |5| in the case 4 I. The gear IBI is pivotally supported by the shaft |22 and has an opening passing the shaft 18 with appropriate clearance (see Fig. 19). The sector gear ||i| meshes with a pinion |52 to drive a gear |53 connected with the pinion. The

. gear |63 drives an idler gearr |54 which in turn meshes with the twisting pinion |51. The idler gear |54 is carried by a shaft |55 supported by the bearing blocks |65a on the spaced plates |59 and the pinion |52 and gear I 53 are carried by a parallel shaft |55. The pinion |52 may be fixed to or formed integral with the gear |65. The shaft |56 is supported by suitable bearing parts on the bracket 85. Cam means is provided to control and operate the sector gear i5 i. Complementary cams I 51 and |58 are keyed to the shafts 16 and 1B, respectively, and cooperate with a roller |69 rotatably mounted on the sector gear IGI to positively turn the gear vin both directions. The cams |61 and I 68 are shaped and set to cause rotation of the twisting pinion |51 through several complete revolutions to form the tie in the wire W. This tie forming operation is subsequent to the projection of the means I1, as will be later described. The twisting pinion |51 is rotated to form the tie and stops in a position where its slot |58 is facing downwardly and the wire is severed at this time. The turning of the pinion I 51 is then continued to bring the cut ends of the wire to positions where they face the box B. rThis brings the pinion I 1 to a position where its slot is above or beyond a horizontal plane and the cams |61 and |68 are formed to cause the pinion |51 to stop in this position and then turn back to bring the slot |58 to a substantially horizontal outwardly facing position. The reversed turning of the pinion |51 relieves the torque on the tied wire loop and the pinion |51 so that the tie is freed for easy ejection from the slot |58. The slight reversal of the pinion 51 does not untwist the tie but leaves a set, tight twist in the wire W. i

The means I1 is operable to engage between the parts of the wire W adjacent the ends of the twisting pinion |51 prior to and during the tie forming operation to assure the correct twisting or tying of the wire, is operable to sever the end t portions of the wire adjacent the tie subsequent to the formation of the tie and is operable to eject the tie from the pinion slot |58 following the severing operation. Due to the looping or wrapping of the wire W about the bo-x B and the tensioning of the wire loop onto the box the loop portions of the wire W pass upwardly around the box B at an angle to the horizontal while the wire portion |88 and the wire portion extending to the gripper I4 extend outwardly and downwardly at angles to the horizontal. The means I1 includes parts projeotable outwardly between the angularly related wire parts to maintain the wire parts separated and in the angular relation.

These wire separating parts are in the nature of somewhat pointed fingers |10 projecting from the outer or forward ends of shiftable blocks |1I. rihe blocks |1| are shiftably guided between the plates |59 and similar plates |12 on the bracket 85 to have their forward parts adjacent the oppoi.

site ends of the twisting pinion |51. The fingers |10 are adapted to engage between the angularly related parts of the wire W adjacent the opposite ends of the twisting pinion |51. The lower sides of the fingers |10 may be dat and substantially horizontal while the upper sides of the fingers slope upwardly and inwardly to outwardly facing shoulders |13 on the blocks |1I. Notches |14 are provided in the lower sides of the fingers |10 to receive the wire W for the severing operation, as will be later described.

The mechanism for operating the means I1 includes complementary cams |15 and |16 keyed to the shafts 16 and 18, respectively. A roller lever E11 is pivotally supported by the shaft |22 and projects upwardly in the case 4I adjacent the cams |15 and |16. A roller |18 is rotatably carried by the lever |11 to be engaged by the cams |15 and |16 so that the lever |11 is operated by the cams. upper end of the lever |11 and extends outwardly or rearwardly through the case 4I to a cross-head |89. The link |10 is guidedin an opening |8I in the case 4| and is fixed to the cross-head |80. Rods |82 are connected to the cross-head |80 and extend forwardly through the case 4| to connect with the blocks |1I. The cams |15 and |16 are shaped and set to cause the projection of the fingers |10 immediately following the above described tensioning of the wire W on the box B.

A link |19 is pivotally connected to the The ngers |10 remain projected during the tie forming operation and upon completion of the tie the cams |15 and |16 cause retraction of the blocks |1| and the fingers |18.

The retraction of the wire separating fingers |10 effects the severing of the free wire parts at the ends of the tie. Knife plates |83 of suitable hardened material are set in the outer forward corner parts of the plates |59. The knife plates |83 are in cooperative relation to the wire receiving notches |14. When the blocks |1I are retracted as above described the wire carrying notches |14 cooperate with the knife plates |83 to sever the wire. Fig. 14 illustrates the condition of the parts immediately following the severing operation and shows the wire binding loop with the tie remaining intact, and shows the wire portion |36 and the wire tailing |84 out free from the tie.

Immediately following the severing operation just described the means 1 serves to eject the tie from the twisting pinion |51. The cams |15 and |16 cooperate with the roller |13 to cause a second projection of the blocks |1| at the completion of the wire severing operation. When the blocks I1| are projected the shoulders |13 on the blocks |1| engage the wire of the box binding loop to move the tie forwardly out of the slot |58 of the pinion |51. The tension of the box binding loop causes the tie and the adjacent portion of the wire loop to snap upwardly clear of the pinion |51 to closely lie against the under side of the article or box B. It is to be observed that the holding means 9 is retracted at this time so that the object or box B is free to shift when the tie is ejected. Immediately following the ejection of the tie from the pinion |51 the cams |15 and |16 act on the roller |18 to cause retraction of the blocks |1| and the blocks remain retracted until the next tying operation.

The means |8 for rethreading the tie forming mechanism is a feature of the invention. The means I8 shifts and controls the first gripping means I4 following the tie forming, wire severing and tie ejecting operations to bring the rst gripping means I4 to a position adjacent the second gripping means I5 to receive the cut end portion of the wire protruding from the means l5, then releases or frees the second gripping means |5 from the wire W and then brings the rst gripping means I4 back to its original position to rethread the wire W through the twisting pinion |51 and thus condition the tie forming mechanism for the next operation.

The first gripping means I4 is restored to its initial position and is released to discharge the wire tailing |84 before it is actuated or shifted by the means |8 to rethread the machine. 'The above described cams |43 and |44 act on the roller |45 to shift the bell crank |4|, the lever |50 and the carrier 86 to restore the gripping means I4 to the position it assumed before the wire wrapping operations started. A cam |85 is fixed to the shaft 18 and is engageable with a roller |86 carried by a lever |81 (see Fig. 12). The lever |81 is pivotally supported at an end of the case 4| and projects from the front of the case to be in the operative relation to the plunger 94 of the gripping means I4. A spring |88 is connected with the lever |81 to hold the roller |86 against the cam |85 and to return the lever I 81 after actuation of the cam. The cam |85 is formed to swing the lever |81 upwardly to depress the plunger S4 to free the gripping jaw 90 from the wire W. This allows the wire tailing |84 to discharge from the gripping means I4. A spring arm or ejector |89 may be provided on the carrier 86 to eject the wire tailing I 84 when the jaw 99 is released. The lever or pawl 91 is actuated by the spring 99 to engage its lug 98 in the teeth 92 when the jaw 99 is opened, as just described. The opening or releasing of the gripping means I4 and the ejection of the wire tailing |84 from the means I4 occurs during or following the restoration of the means I4 from its wire tensioning position to its initial position.

The rethreading means I8 includes a cam |99 keyed to the main shaft (see Fig. 21). A lever I9I is pivotally supported by the shaft |22 and carries a roller |92 engageable by the cam |99. A link |93 is pivotally connected with the upper end of the lever I9I and a spring |94 is connected with the link |93 to urge the roller |92 against the cam |90 and to return the lever I9I and the link |93, as will be apparent. A collar |95 has a slidingy key connection |96 with the carrier 86 and has a pivotal connection |91 with the forward end of the link |93. The collar |95 is associated with one of the bearings 81 to be held against longitudinal movement thereby. Following the ejection of the wire tailing |94 from the means I4 the cam |90 pivots the lever I9I to move the link |93 and thus cause turning of the carrier 86. The carrier 86 isturned to swing the first gripping means I4 downwardly and outwardly out of alignment with the twisting pinion |51.

Immediately following the out swinging of the gripping means I4 the cams |43 and |44 cooperating with the roller |45 operate the bell crank |4I to shift the carrier 06 axially. This moves the gripping means I4 to a position in a vertical plane between the second gripping means I and the adjacent block I1I of the means I1. The

cam |90 is shaped and timed to allow the spring |94 to shift the link |93 and turn the carrier 86 immediately following the horizontal shifting 'of the carrier and the gripping means I4. The

turning of the carrier 86 brings the first gripping means I4 to a position in horizontal alignment with and in wire receiving relation to the second gripping means I5 (see Fig. 10). The jaw 99 of the rst gripping means I4 is held open by the lug 98, as described above, and when the means I4 swings upwardly and inwardly the cut end portion of the wire W is received between the jaw 90 and the anvil part 89.

The means I8 further includes a control for actuating or releasing the jaw 99 of the gripping means I4 to grip the wire W and for immediately thereafter disengaging the gripping jaw |92 of the means I5 from the wire W. This control includes a dog 299 pivoted on the bracket 85 to project from the face of the machine (see Fig. '1) A notch 29| is provided in the under side of the dog 299. 'The control further includes a lever 292 pivoted on a projecting boss of a bearing 81. The lever 292 extends under the dog 299 and one end portion of the lever is received in the notch 29| tofprovide a connection between the lever and dog. A spring 293 acts an the lever 292 to urge the dog 299 to an up or inactive position, The end portion of the lever 292 most remote from the dog 200 is shaped to have engagement with a roller 294 on the above described pin I I9. When the second gripping means I5 is active and in gripping engagement with the wire W the pin II8 is in the outer end of the slot |I1 and the cooperation of the roller 294 with the lever 292 is such that thedog 200 is in its inactive or up position. A freely turnable roller 295 is carried by the gear 89 to project from one face thereof. The roller 295- is engageable with the lever I2I (see Fig. 22).

The roller 205 cooperates with the lever I2I following the above described operations to shift` the link |29 and pivot the bell crank II9. This pivoting of the bell crank II9 rst moves the pin I I8 through the slot I I1 without affecting the link II 6, the link being held by the spring 19. The pin I I3 thus moved through the slot I I1 has itsroller 294 act on the lever 292 to pivot the lever 292 and to pivot the associateddog 200. The dog 299 is pivoted downwardly to act on the projecting trigger part of the lever or pawl 91 of the first gripping means I4. This movement of. the pawl 91 releases its lug 98 from the teeth 92 so that the spring 96 operates the jaw 99 into gripping cooperation with the wire W. Further movement of the bell crank II9 resulting fromy engagement of the roller 295 with the lever I'2I brings the pin II8 against the inner end of the slot II1 so that the link II6 is moved. This movement of the lever I|6 swings the jaw |02 of the gripping means I5 to a released position. From the above it will be observed that the first gripping means I4 is actuated to grip the wire W just before the second gripping means I5 is opened or released and that a single control serves to actuate the means I4 and to release the means I5.

The rethreading means I9 further provides for the freeing of the wire W from the released or opened gripping means I5. A cam 296 is keyed to the shaft 16 and a lever 201 is supported by the shaft |22 to be adjacent the cam 206, see Fig. 20. The upper end of the lever 201 has a pivotal connection 299 with the link |93 and lever 291 carries a rotatable roller 209 engageable by the cam 296. The cam 296 is engageable-with the roller 299 to shift the body |99 of the means I5 forwardly. This forward movement of the gripping means I5 occurs immediately following the actuation of the gripping means I4 and the release of the gripping means I5. Simultaneously with the' forward movement of the gripping means I5 the cam |90 acts on the roller |92 to turn the carrier 86, swinging the gripping means I4 downwardly and outwardly. During the outward movement of the second gripping means I5 the downward and outward swinging of the gripping means I4, which is in gripping engagement with the wire W, swings thewire free of the anvil part I9I of the means I5. The second gripping means I5 is moved to a retracted position following the disengagement of the Wire W from it. A cam 2I9 is keyed to the shaft 19 and has a part cooperable with the roller 299 to move the second gripping means I5 to a fully retracted position following the disengagement ofthe wire W from the means I5. The spring latch 2|I cooperates with the notch 2I2 to releasably latchv the means I5 in its retracted position.

Following the active engagement of the first gripping means I4 with the cut end of the wire W and the subsequent downward swinging of the means I4 the rethreading means provides for the shifting of the gripping means I4 back across the front of the machine to the vertical plane of its initial position. The cams '|43 and 44 are formed and timed to cause pivoting of the bell crank I4I and'appropriate longitudinal movement. of the carrier86 to shift the gripping means I4 back to the vertical plane of its initial position. The gripping means I4 movingv horizontally in iront of the twisting pinion |51 draws the wire W along with it, the wire being entirely clear of the twisting pinion. When the gripping means I4 reaches the end of its horizontal return movement the spring |94 draws back the link |93 and turns the carrier 86 to swing the rst gripping means 4I4 back to its initial active position in horizontal alignment with the twisting pinion |51. During the upward swinging of the gripping means I4 to its initial position the wire W snaps into the slot |50 of the twisting pinion |51. This completes the rethreading operation.

It is to be observed that the rethreading means I8 operates to move the first gripping means I4 along a predetermined path from its initial psition to a position in. wire receiving relation to the second gripping means I5, to reengage the gripping means I4 with the cut end portion of the wire W, to release the 'second gripping means I5 from the wire W and to then return the rst gripping means I4 along the said predetermined path to its initial active position. The rethreading of the tie mechanism 'is entirely automatic and requires no manual manipulation of the wire W or other parts.

The invention includes means for reconditioning the bell crank |24 so that it may latch the jaw |02 of the second gripping means 5 open when the means I5 is released from the wire W as described above in connection .with the rethreading operations. A rotatable roller 2|3 `projects from the end of the collar of the clutch C and is engageable with a lever 2|4, see Fig. 4. The lever '2|4 is supported by a suitable Vbracket 2|5 and is spring-urged to a position for engagement by the roller 2| 3. The lever 2|4 has an end part adapted to cooperate with the control member |21 to pivot the same downwardly. The roller 2|3 pivots the lever 2|4 shortly after the second gripping means I5 has been projected to initially grip the wire W. When the control member 21 is moved downwardly by the lever 2|4 the notch |28 is disengaged from the .lug |29 and the shoulder |40 is freed from the arm |39, see Fig. 6. The spring |26 then urges the control member |21 toward its initial position. During the restoration of the control member I 21 the bell crank |24 is pivoted to a position to engage under the bell crank H9. Accordingly, when the jaw |02 of the means I5 is opened, by the action of the roller 205 and the movement of Athe bell crank I I3, the active upper end of the bell crank |24 moves up behind the bell crank I9 to latch the jaw |02 open. The jaw |02 of the gripping means |5 remains open until the cam face 69 acts on the fingers 1| to operate the control member |21 and pivot the bell crank |24 when the ring approaches `the end of its wire wrapping movement. It is to be observed that the restoration of the control member |21 frees the arm `|39 so that the clutch blade |34 is conditioned for re-engagement'with the clutch dog |36. The lug |29 engaging the upper edge of the control member |21 holds the member free of the arm |39 on the clutch control shaft |33.

The machine includes an interlocking means or pedal control for preventing rotation or actuation of the wire wrapping ring during the tie forming operations. This pedal control includes a .lever 2I1 freely pivoted on the yoke shaft 52 and extending to the clutch C. Aspring 2| 8 normally urges the 'lever 2|1 upwardly. The spring ZIB may be utilized to hold the above described lever `2|4 `in position. The lever 2|1 is lprovided with -a :shoulder 2|'8 adapted toengage a latch part 220 on the upper end of the lever G0. The lever B0 is xed to the shaft 6| and the shaft yextends under the case 4I. A collar 22| is Xed to the shaft 0| and has a projecting iinger 222 engageable by a collar 223 onthe above described link |08. When the cam face 69 cooperates `with the shoe ||2 to project the gripping means I5 the collar 223 acts on the finger 222 to turn the shaft 6|. This turns the lever to bring the latch part 220 into latching engagement with the shoulder 2 I3. The cooperation of the latch part 220 with the shoul dei 219 holds the lever G0 -in a Aposition where the cam part or linger part is clear of the lever 64 and the latch 15. Accordingly, the pedal 54 is disengaged from the means for shifting the clutch yoke 5| at the time of projection of the second gripping means vi5 and at the time of completion of the wire wrapping rotation of the ring Manual operation of the pedal 54 after the tie forming `operations have begun cannot engage the driving clutch for the `ring as movement of the pedal link 55 is not 'transmitted to the lever .64 or `the latch 15, the part |55 being clear of the lever and latch.

Near l.the end of the tie forming operations and when the dog |36 approaches the blade 34 of the clutch C the vroller 2|3 cooperates with the upper end of the lever 2|1 to pivot the lever downwardly. This downward pivoting of the lever 2|1 is accompanied by disengagement of the latch part 220 from the shoulder 2|9, whereupon the spring 63 returns the lever 60 to bring the part 65 to its Vactive position above the lever 64 and the latch 15. Thus the pedal means for engaging the clutch of the ring driving means I3 is reconditioned for operation just before the clutch C is disengaged. When the dog 136er:- gages the blade |34 it has camming engagement with the blade and is retracted to a position where it is freed from the drum |38 and the notches |31. This disengages the clutch C and completes the cycle of operation of the tie forming mechanism. The engagement of the dog |36 with the blade |34 may impose a substantial endwise force `on the shaft |33 and thrust bearings y22S and a spring 225 may be associated with the shaft |33 to cushion this action. The spring 225 silences the clutch C. The spring 225 is compressed when the dog |36 is cammed in by the blade |34 Vand when the dog is freed from its notch |31 the momentum of the `dog and the return of the compressed spring 225 further depress the dog so that it is fully clear of the notches |31 in the rotating drum |38. The dog |36 'is stopped on a substantially horizontal face at the base of a Astop shoulder 300 on the blade and remains in this position `until the clutch 'C is again engaged at the next cycle o'f operation.

Having described only a typical preferred form Vand application of my invention, I'do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details -herein `set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art, or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. In a tying machine, a bodily movable irst gripper for holding the yfree end of a wire, 'a second gripper for stationarily anchoring the `supply portion of the Wire, means for bodily moving therst gripper to tension the wire while 

